Just a few brief words. “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.” 1 Cor. 14:2.

Notice that it is “he” who speaks; this “he” (the person) is influenced by the forces closest to him. Maybe he has a desire that someone will repent or that someone will be filled with the Spirit. Perhaps he has a feeling that some of those present are resisting God’s Spirit. All these feelings burst forth in a tongue. But as long as he is speaking in tongues, no one understands what is stirring in his soul and spirit; but he edifies himself because just to be able to express yourself to someone is edifying.

When all this is to be interpreted and translated into normal human language, and the understanding has to be utilized amidst this ocean of greatly varying impressions from the person’s spirit and emotions, is it any wonder that the resulting message is directed to the surroundings and the circumstances of the moment that are influencing his spirit? How could a person express it in any other way? So this is the explanation of how the interpretation of the message in tongues fits with the surroundings that are most influencing the one speaking in tongues.

I think this must be so clear and obvious that even those creatures most enveloped in darkness should be able to understand it.

Dallmeyer was overcome by Schrenk after reading his last brochure (see for yourself in Alliangblatt, December 8, 1907, page 386). “For by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.”

In Dallmeyer’s “statement,” on page 389 of the same paper, he says: “I make these statements without consciously being influenced by another human being.”23 This is incorrect. He was overpowered by Schrenk’s writings.

Rubanowitsch asserts that saying “I, Jesus” in a prophecy is very wrong and of the devil. “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” He who prophesies uses the Scriptures, and all Scripture is inspired by God. Is it really that bad to be identified with Christ? (The Mediator is not just for one.) In fact, Jesus said to Saul of Tarsus: “Why are you persecuting Me?” He didn’t say, “Why do you persecute those who believe in Me?” Jesus prays that we might become one as the Father and Son are one. “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” Even our bodies are members of Christ and are therefore identified with Him—otherwise the Scriptures would be lying—but it is more likely that all those clever people who are so wise in their “cunningly devised fables” are on the wrong track! Resist them firmly, and never allow yourself to be overpowered in any way by their “doctrines of men.” The knowledge of God is revealed in the Spirit (Eph. 3:5), but if a person does not have the Spirit, it is crystal clear that he does not have the knowledge of God either.

May God give you power.

Hearty greetings.

Yours,

Johan Oscar Smith

I hope you received my previous letter.

Dear Aksel!

I am sending a copy of this letter to Kristiansen today. As you see this is a full explanation of 1 Cor. 14:2. I have had many battles in the Spirit to bring this out clearly.

Hearty greetings.

Yours,

Greet everyone at home and greet the friends.